Scripture Text: Hosea 10:11-15
Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.
Hosea 10:12
To a modern believer, the rule against muzzling an ox during the threshing process might seem irrelevant (Deut. 25:4). An ox in ancient Israel, however, would have considered it a basic oxen right. Muzzling an animal while it pushed the stone around a floor full of grain would be like forbidding a restaurant or fast food employee to eat the food that they offer to their customers. But as Paul would later reflect, God didn’t give the law for the sake of the ox. He wanted to prevent the Israelites from being stingy with the fruits of their labor (1 Cor. 9:9–10).
Today’s reading changes the point of view to the animal, because God compared Israel to a heifer in the threshing room. The problem wasn’t stinginess but rather laziness. Israel enjoyed the benefits of belonging to God without truly serving Him as Master. God had the work of righteousness in store for Israel, and the fruit of that labor was a love that would not fail (v. 12). But Israel didn’t respond to God’s call to sow righteousness—they did quite the opposite (v. 13).
Israel completed the entire cultivation cycle of sin. They planted and harvested evil and then consumed the lie their sin produced. Similar to the prostitution metaphor, this was a picture of how Israel had made a living out of wickedness. As a result, the heavy yoke on Israel’s neck would be punishment rather than privilege.
In verse 13, the tone of the passage switches dramatically from the agricultural metaphor to a more literal prediction of military devastation. Israel put their trust in chariots, horses, and their own might as a nation—this proved to be misplaced trust. The description of the consequences is harrowing, including the death of women and children and the dissolution of the throne of Israel (v. 15). The offer of righteousness and love quickly changed to the promise of destruction.
The call to sow righteousness and reap God’s love is a compelling promise, because it was made to the sinful. Even knowing how they would refuse, God still extended them the opportunity to do what was right and experience something wonderful!
Reflect
1. Do we really worship God? Love Him? Are we devoted to Him?
2. If we really worship Him, Do we serve Him by serving the church, His people?
3. Do we make disciples as what the Lord Jesus commands to His believers?
4. Do we just seek to enjoy God’s rewards and favor but refuse to obey Him?
Remember
If the Christian life seems easy, you may not be living it. Write verse 12 in its entirety and carry it with you through the day. This message, delivered to Israel in their defection from God, has a common application for anyone in God’s family. If you have been enjoying the benefits of Christianity without giving of yourself in service, there is much unplowed ground for you to cover!
No matter what position you are in, seek the Lord and He will give you an opportunity. Take it willingly!
Read
Proverbs 11:18; Jeremiah 4:3-4; Jeremiah 29:12-14; Luke 13:24
Pray
Dear Lord, You know the real status of my heart; I cannot hide anything from You. Forgive me for just being contented in having Your salvation but not working out my salvation. Help me realize that I am called to worship You, serve Your church, Your people, and make disciples as You have commanded me. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.
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